Terrain

Grid Reference (Start)

Grid Reference (End)

Point of Interest

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Route Description

*Please note that this walk can be challenging in poor weather conditions. Visibility can drop lower than 50 metres in heavy rain or mist.*

Start by climbing the gate between the bridge and house on the East side of American Road.

Pass over a second gate and keep to the right of a stream flowing from the SE. There are a few white topped marker posts that you can follow, but these should not be relied upon, for example in low visibility conditions. Ground conditions are rough and variable underfoot as should be expected of the open mountainside.

Continue to follow the stream until meeting Evishagaran, where you will come across the ruined remains of a building with a tree growing through the site. Continue to follow the course of the stream and you will meet a fence line as you climb towards the 454 spot height.

Cross the first gate in the fence line to pick up a rough track that brings you to the top of Boviel Road above Glenshane Pass. Don’t access the road but follow the ridge westwards for over 1 km before turning N.

Keep as high on the ridge as you can and you will pick up more white posts that will take you to the top of the public road coming from Dungiven. Some of these may be white topped fencing posts.

Cross a heavy iron gate, turn left to follow the track and head for the summit of Benbradagh. Retrace your steps back to the iron gate and return to your car along the American Road. As this is MoD land, there are several gates to be traversed that remained locked on a long term basis.

The first stage of this walk to Boviel Road can be quite wet at times but the second section provides a drier route along the ridge to Benbradagh. Sheep graze the area throughout the year so dogs are not advisable.

You are advised not to attempt this walk without OS Map Sheet 8 and a compass.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Accessed off the B64 Dungiven to Garvagh Road. 3.5 miles north of Dungiven turn right onto Gelvin Road. Turn right after 2 miles onto American Road. Alternative start point accessed from Curragh Road Dungiven. Turn off Chapel Road and follow road straight to top of mountain.

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Ratings and Comments

Philip 12 March, 2016 @ 23:24

“

Great walk.

In My opinion just as good and probably easier to undertake this route in reverse to the route description. i.e. in an anti clockwise direction

”

Richard Murdoch 2 May, 2014 @ 16:45

“

Completed this walk May 2104. The guide mentions white topped posts but there are none where they are most needed. For large parts there are no easily visible tracks. This walk would definitely benefit from some new waymark posts. Conditions underfoot can be a little boggy but not as bad as the Antrim Hills. This walk is only for experienced walkers who know how to use map/compass/gps - it is easy to get lost without these when crossing the open hill and moorland. Spectacular views from top of Benbradagh and the army base. A worthwhile and enjoyable walk overall.

”

Christopher Somerville 29 September, 2012 @ 12:20

“

As of October 2012 - The section to the top of Benbradagh (sensational views) and down the American road from there is fine (though you have to climb many locked gates). But the first section from the American road over moorland to the top of the Dungiven road is virtually unwaymarked, fairly featureless and pitted with deep holes. It is being upgraded, but at present is only for experienced orienteers and map-and-compass/GPS experts. Don't try it in mist. This will be a 5-star walk when it's fixed.

”

John Herron 18 April, 2010 @ 18:57

“

Worth pointing out that this walk is not suitable for WALKERS!! Extremely wet and boggy and easy to get lost (which I did) but eventually found my way back to the USA military road - had to climb over a countless number of wire fences....

”

Mark 16 April, 2010 @ 20:19

“

Walked Benbradagh in the middle of March. Underfoot conditions fine. Gradual ascent from the American road over open hill and moorland. Rewarded with stunning views of Mullaghash and Altahullion landscape. A fantastic walk - somewhat of a hidden gem in the northern Sperrins.

”

Shaun F McKittrick 27 March, 2009 @ 18:02

“

Worth pointing out that this walk is not suitable for walkers with dogs.

”

Gordon McSparron 21 April, 2008 @ 20:09

“

Have done this one three times in the last year and the first part is certainly boggy and rough as described but the views are worth the effort.

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